Bushwick Pushes Back on Huge Development Plans

The developers Read Property Group LLC are applying to rezone a large swath of Bushwick land to build a development with 10 eight-story buildings, 977 apartments, two extra streets, open space, and retail. Both DNAinfo and the Daily News attended the Community Board Four meeting where the developers presented their plans. (The developer already applied for a rezoning with the City, and now must go through a lengthy land-use review process, as we reported in August.) The proposal, slated for the old Rheingold Brewery site near Woodhull Hospital and the Flushing Avenue J train station, includes 54,000 square feet of retail space, 17,000 square feet of public open space, and 242 units of affordable housing. The developers plan to rebuild two streets that were in the area when it was home to several breweries — Stanwick Street between Montieth and Forest streets and Noll Street between Stanwick Street and Evergreen Avenue. Not surprisingly, these plans were met with many concerns by the community board, which is actually working to downzone areas of Bushwick. CB4 delayed its decision until the developers can provide more information on affordable housing, how much parking will be included, and the impact on local schools. Many residents asked that more affordable housing be included. Once the developer makes it through the community board, they need to take the plans to the borough president and city council for the zoning change. If all goes according to plan, they hope to complete the development in 2016.Developer Read Property Has Vision for Old Rheingold Brewery Site [NY Daily News]Controversial Bushwick Rezoning to Add High Rises, Streets and Retail [DNAinfo]Developer Moves on Plans for Big Bushwick Complex [Brownstoner]Rendering via DNAinfo